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Malvasia (corrupted by the French to "Malvoisie", the English to "Malmsey" and the Germans to "Malvasier") is the name widely used for a complex set of grape varieties. Ancient and of Greek origin, it produces wines high in alcohol, and often, with residual sugar. Most are deeply colored whites but some are, usually light, reds. Malvasia is the Italian corruption of Monemvasia, the southern Greek port which, in the middle ages, was famous for its dessert wines. So important was Malvasia during the time of the Venetian Republic that wine shops in Venice were called "Malvasie".
White Malvasia Bianca, the largest part of production, is widely used throughout Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany. The finest dry white varietal Malvasia is made in Friuli, where two DOCs - Collio and Isonzo - exist.
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